The Airtricty League weekend isn't over yet but we wrap up the interesting take-aways from last night's action.
1) On their day, Pats can play with anyone
Pats came out flying night against the Champions and League leaders Sligo Rovers. Led by the tireless Anto Flood and the midfield trio of Greg Bolger, John Russsell and MOTM Killian Brennan, they suffocated Sligo's talented players and were well on top for most of the game. The opener came from a Brennan corner and his Panenka style penalty showcased his confidence (cockiness?) perfectly. After being upset bu Dundalk at home, Pats have won four straight games without conceding a goal.
2) Sligo Rovers squad is about to be further tested
Sligo badly missed the pace and creativity of Raff Cretaro and Aaron Greene against Pats last night. While Ryan Connolly was clearly willing, Kieran Djilali looked off the pace. Already this season Sligo have had to do without the services of the experienced set of Peers, Conneely, Ventre, Ndo & North. While all appear to be back, or on the way back, with games coming quick and fast they need to get match fit in a hurry. While clearly not deserved, Iarfhlaith Davoren's late red card will mean he'll miss at least one game. To add to this, Rovers full back Alan Keane broke his nose last night too.
Bad enough losing but breaking my nose just makes it worse twitter.com/keano47/status…
— Alan Keane™ (@keano47) April 19, 2013
3) Derry confirmed their challenger status with a win over Shamrock Rovers
Derry's win at home to Shamrock Rovers, a game they lost last year, brought them to within 2 points of leaders Sligo. Since their opening day defeat at Sligo's hands, they've won 7 with only a late Drogheda equaliser stopping them from being joint leaders at this stage. next week they travel to Inchicore to face Pats in what should be another cracker. For their part, Rovers lost their unbeaten record and if Limerick and Cork beat struggling Bray in their outstanding games in the next ten days or so, Rovers could be 8th.
4) Cork City means late drama
To be fair, they mostly hate it as for the 4th time in 7 games Cork lost points after conceding a goal after the 87th minute. Cork lost to an 89th minute Derry winner and have conceded equalisers against Shamrock Rovers (94th minute), Drogheda (87th minute) and now Shelbourne (94th minute). They also scored an 89th minute winner in their last home game against UCD. Don't leave Cork games early.
5) Despite Shels picking up that point, the bottom 4 remain adrift at bottom
We mentioned yesterday how few points the bottom 4 have picked up against the top 8. The record now is 3 points from 26 games. To further emphasise this there are 3 clubs in the top 8 whose only wins have come against the bottom 4; Drogheda, Limerick & Cork.
The big game tonight is in the First Division with the Midlands Clasico between Longford & Athlone while the Premier Division concludes tomorrow when Bray host Limerick.
